As you walk down the steps into Gusto Va Mare, (237 E 53rd St; New York, NY 10022; Telephone: 212.583.9300) be prepared to leave behind the hustle and bustle of daily life in New York City. Enter this cozy, intimate, restaurant and be transported into the Italian Campagna. Charming, folksy wall frescoes of country scenes, seating which reflects Mediterranean themes and mouth watering aromas, the most delicious homey dairy and fish Italian fare await you. Gusto Va Mare is in a class by itself!

SYR and I started the meal with a warm Bruschetta, (Italian bread grilled with fresh mozzarella and garlic herbed tomatoes). We followed that with a fresh Insalata Greca (mesclun, tomato, cucumber, black olives, feta, & Italian dressing) and their delectable Gnochi Combinzione (selection of three gnocchi with three sauces).

SYR had their ample portioned house special of Fettuccini Ai Funghi, fetuccini with mushrooms, it was outstanding. I ordered their 12-ounce Tuna Balsamic served with a large salad. It tasted like real meat and not at all as a product of the sea! We washed it all down with an excellent white house wine.

Their desserts are not to be missed. SYR had the Double Truffle Cake (two creamy layers of dark and white Belgian chocolate on a thin layer of cake) I ordered the Tiramisu (lady fingers dipped in espresso, fresh whipped cream with sweet cheese & a dash of hazelnut liquor, topped with thin shavings of dark chocolate); both, melt in your mouth delicious.